Dressing around freezing point

Short answer: Zero degrees is the trickiest temperature. It feels mild, but the moisture in the air makes the cold penetrate faster than in plain frost.

Why zero feels colder than minus five

At zero the air is damp, and damp air carries heat away from the skin far faster than dry air. At minus five the air is drier, and the cold feels drier and easier to bear.

What to wear

A thin long sleeved layer against the skin, a mid layer and a jacket that keeps the wind out. The moisture is the enemy, not the number. See bamboo underwear for men.

Feet first

At zero degrees there is often water and slush on the ground. Dry feet matter more than an extra jumper. See bamboo socks for men and bamboo long johns.

Frequently asked questions

Why do you feel colder in autumn

Because the body has not adjusted to the cold yet. It takes a couple of weeks.

Is a thick jacket enough

Not without a layer that moves moisture. Sweat under a tight jacket goes cold.

What about a scarf

It closes the biggest air gap in your clothing. It does more than it looks like.